56 degrees sets record high temp

Thursday

Jan 31, 2013 at 6:00 AM

Wednesday’s high temperature of 56 degrees busted the record of 53 degrees set Jan. 30, 1938, but Wednesday’s unseasonably warm record high temperatures missed the warmest January day by more than 10 degrees.

The highest temperature in January — 67 degrees recorded at Worcester airport — was on Jan. 15, 1932, and again on Jan. 26, 1950, according to information on the National Weather Service’s website.

The only other time the temperature has reached 60 degrees in Central Massachusetts in January since 1950 was on Jan. 29, 2002.

But temperatures in the 50s in January aren’t as uncommon. According to data on the National Weather Service website, it has reached 50 degrees or higher in January 11 times since 1950.

The forecast for today calls for temperatures in the mid-50s. On Friday, however, temperatures will be back to what New Englanders expect in mid-winter — 30s.

A high wind warning was also issued by the National Weather Service Wednesday night for northern Worcester County, western Hampden County and eastern Hampshire County through 9 this morning, with the highest winds expected between 2 and 8 a.m. today.

The National Weather Service warning indicates the winds will be from the southwest at 20 to 30 mph, with higher gusts that could bring down trees and power lines, causing outages. People are advised to secure any loose outdoor items such as furniture.

The Worcester Common Oval will also be closed today because of weather and ice conditions.